Jaishankar discusses West Asia crisis with Oman FM during Manila ASEAN talks

Manila,UPDATED: Jul 23, 2026 18:42 IST

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday held a series of meetings in Manila on the sidelines of ASEAN-related engagements, with his talks with Oman Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi focusing on the West Asia crisis and the evolving regional landscape. He also called on Philippines President Ferdinand R Marcos Jr and met the foreign ministers of the Netherlands, Papua New Guinea, Brunei and the UK, among other leaders.

Jaishankar's meeting with Al Busaidi came amid renewed tensions in West Asia, with the US and Iran escalating military activity. American forces are targeting Iran's bridges, water desalination plants and electrical facilities, while Tehran is hitting US bases in allied countries across West Asia. Jaishankar said on X, "Appreciated meeting with FM Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi of Oman in Manila" and added, "Exchanged perspectives on the recent developments in the Gulf region. Agreed to remain in touch." In a social media post, Al Busaidi said, "Excellent catch up with @DrSJaishankar. Productive discussions on the evolving regional landscape and the need for sustained engagement to address shared concerns and challenges."

During his meeting with President Marcos Jr, Jaishankar conveyed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's greetings and India's support for a successful ASEAN chairship by the Philippines. He said, "India-Philippines cooperation under the aegis of our Strategic Partnership continues to diversify as we implement the India-Philippines Plan of Action 2025–2029."

Jaishankar also met Netherlands Foreign Minister Tom Berendsen and said the two sides followed up on the outcomes of Modi's recent visit to the Netherlands. He said, "Followed up with FM Tom Berendsen @ministerBZ on the outcomes from PM @narendramodi's recent visit to the Netherlands. The elevation of our ties to a Strategic Partnership has opened new avenues of cooperation, including in semiconductors, water resources, green hydrogen, health & culture."

In his meeting with Papua New Guinea Foreign Minister Justin W. Tkatchenko, Jaishankar discussed bilateral cooperation and India's readiness to work with Pacific Island Countries. He said, "Spoke about bilateral cooperation including through the Forum for India - Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC). India stands ready to partner with the Pacific Island Countries for their development and capacity building priorities, while supporting their maritime security." He also met Brunei Foreign Minister Prince Abdul Mateen and said, "A warm meeting with FM Prince Abdul Mateen of Brunei. Congratulated him on assuming his current responsibilities. Conveyed that rapidly changing technology, including AI, drones, digital, has opened new vistas of engagement. Also agreed to advance bilateral agenda in line with India's #ActEast Policy and further strengthen our multilateral engagements under @ASEAN."

Jaishankar also met UK Foreign Secretary Edward Miliband and said, "First meeting with Foreign Secretary @Ed_Miliband of the UK #Manila #Philippines. Congratulated him on his appointment. Agreed to build on the positive momentum generated through the recent FTA implementation, and work towards strengthening our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership." He met UNRWA interim Commissioner-General Christian Saunders and discussed India's contributions and commitments at the recent Donors Conference in health and capacity building. Jaishankar also met European Commission Vice President Kaja Kallas, Sri Lanka Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath and Bangladesh Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman on the sidelines of the meetings. The engagements in Manila, around one of the region's most influential groupings, underlined India's discussions on regional developments and its efforts to widen bilateral and multilateral cooperation with ASEAN partners and other countries.

With PTI Inputs

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